Time for a Log Cabin blanket KAL

Log Cabin Blanket KAL 2024

New for Autumn 2024 - a shiny brand new knitalong and e-book for you

All about the joys of Log Cabin Blankets.

If you enjoyed my Mitered Square Blanket KAL you’ll definitely want to catch this.

It will run in much the same format over 4-6 weeks, starting in September - and as with previous KALs please don’t worry - I’m not expecting you to churn out a king sized blanket in a month.

Instead the aim is to introduce you to the concept of Log Cabin Style blankets. To the different shapes and styles you can construct and to give you the tools and the inspiration to create a truly unique Log Cabin blanket of your very own.

Each week will feature instructions on how to knit a Log Cabin style square - each of them will be different and will give you an idea of how the basic concept can be used to create a multitude of different possibilities - all from the same building blocks.

The four blocks will work together, so if you want, you can knit each of them and then stitch them into a small, lap-sized sampler blanket as a starter project . Or you can downsize each one and use them as test pieces for your own log cabin adventure.

Why Log Cabin style?

• Perfect for stashbusting and using up random yarns from your stash

• Endlessly adaptable - you can go as large or as small as you like

• A great opportunity to play with colour

• Relaxing garter stitch for the win - no stress knitting here

• An ideal knitting project to keep you company in autumn/winter

Dates for your diary

• After purchase you will receive a pre-KAL information sheet, just so you know what materials you need to get together and what to expect.

• The dedicated Facebook group for the KAL will open towards the end of August so that you can all gather and chat about your plans in advance.

• The first week of our KAL will be Mon Sep 16th and a new block will be released each Monday for 4 weeks.

• There will then be two-week period where folks can discuss their plans for their own log cabin blanket and I’ll be on hand to offer any help that might be needed.

• The Facebook group will remain open as long as it’s needed.

Whoosh

There are times when the fates align as if by magic. You have the time and space to work on a project. You have a simple project lined up and you have perfect yarn that is fun to work with. And I'm pleased to report that this is one such project. Churning out a shawl in 4 days isn't my usual modus operandi but everything about this project was perfect and exactly summed up the name of the pattern - Knit Me.

Now the eagle eyed among you will note that the Knit Me shawl is knit in stocking stitch with a garter border. Me being me I can't leave things alone so I opted to knit the whole thing in garter stitch. Which of course makes it into the sister version of this shawl - Knit Night. Still that's how I set it up in Ravelry and that's how I'll leave it.

My stash dash goal of 10K has been looking a little bit distant given my recent lack of progress on the WIP front but churning out almost 400m in 4 days has given me renewed optimism. Obviously the secret is to knit nothing else but garter stitch shawls from now until August! Three guesses what folks in my family will be getting for Christmas this year?

An exciting prospect

Is there anything more exciting than the feeling when you are getting ready to add a pop of new colour to a project. Or in my case, to add some calm and soothing grey to this wonderful vibrant spring green.

I have a busy day of teaching lined up but I have my evening  (and as much of tomorrow as I can manage) planned out. I have Netflix and a hot date with this shawl to look forward to. I am determined to be able to wear it whilst it is still spring.

And to give me some ideas on how to wear it I'm  going to be using a fun Instagram hashtag starting next week. Use the hashtag #springshawlstyle and let's share some inspiration for how we wear our shawls. 

More details to follow but why not use this weekend to sort through your shawls and pick a few of your favourites to show off this spring.

Spring has sprung

Not many words today but a heck of a lot of gorgeous spring-like colour. I'm not normally one for knitting with the seasons and I don't tend to make conscious choices of colour but sometimes the right yarn crosses your path and it is just pure serendipity.

This gorgeous fresh green from Countess Ablaze (via the new Classics Society subscription club) is sheer heaven.

Vibrant tonal greens which practically sing at you. It reminds me alternately of fresh green grapes and zingy limes and is a total pleasure to knit with.

I  cast on for another version of a new shawl pattern I will be releasing at Edinburgh Yarn Festival. The Fuss Free Festival Shawl pattern will be available from the lovely ladies at the Little Grey Girl and Fluph Shop when you purchase their exclusive Edinburgh wares. The ideal shawl that you can just drop everything and cast on. Perfect for when you are at a festival and want to get your special yarn on the needles right away.

Look out for more details in the coming days.